Press release

JAPANESE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE HELD AT THE ISLAMABAD CLUB AUDITORIUM

PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK 15-38

Islamabad: 14th November 2015

The Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Islamabad Japanese School, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan organized a Japanese Joint Musical Performance on Saturday 14th November 2015 here at the Islamabad Club Auditorium. The joint musical performances comprised of Wadaiko drumming (traditional Japanese drums), folk dancing, instrumental music and songs.

The show started with the beautiful dance performance of Kindergarten kids of Islamabad Japanese School. The group of these kindergarten kids aged between 3 to 7 years is known as Nakayoshi Yochien Group.  Mr. Katsunori Ashida, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan, surprised the audience when he sang popular Japanese songs in Urdu. Later about sixteen children of Islamabad Japanese School between 7 to 15 years old performed a lively set of traditional dance and a drum beat ensemble. The energetic and rhythmic dance with Wadaiko drumming by the students enthralled the audience by their heart-warming performances.  The purpose of the event was to showcase traditional Japanese music and dances to the Pakistani people. It was a dynamic, thunderous and powerful performance, with the sound of the drums resonating in the soul of both performers and listeners. Pakistani folk dances and instrumental music added further colors to the show.  
Wadaiko is the Japanese name for both the act of drumming in a traditional Japanese style (of which there are many) and the drums themselves. The name comes from the Japanese words 'Wa', meaning 'Japanese', and 'Taiko', meaning 'drum'. In modern Japan, wadaiko has become more of a performance art, seen at festivals or in concerts.
The amateur performers showcased a folk tradition of Japan by exemplifying their dedication and discipline in mastering a complex choreography. This musical performance provided an opportunity for the Pakistani people to discover Japanese culture and tradition through their little Japanese friends. (End)